|
 He
blows, twists and turns. Bingo! - a new animal emerges out
of the long, inflated Balloon.
Meet 'Puyal' Ganesh (meaning 'Storm Ganesh') - perhaps the
only Balloon sculptor in south India. He is called Puyal,
not because he is adept at blowing Balloons, but because of
his speed in talking. But, the storm has mellowed over the
years to a light breeze, otherwise it would have been hard
to catch up with him!
But, he still remains a storm when it comes to sculpting
animals. An adorable cat, piglet, mouse, teddy bear,
giraffe, swan, lion - all these shapes appear, as the long
inflated Balloon is sculpted by his skilled hands. His wife
adds the finishing touch by painting eyes and whiskers
wherever needed. And he learned all this through some books
and the internet!
When did it all begin?
He recollects with a smile. " Two years ago, I found a book
on Balloon sculpting along with some Balloons at a
bookshop. I was curious, and bought the book." So, he
practised the techniques given in the book and his first
shapes emerged so well, that he decided to learn more of
this art, which is practised by few in India.
He is a bit unhappy that not many people are aware of this
art, which is popular in the U.S and the U.K. He also
regrets the fact that he has no competition in the city.
 Where
does he obtain the tools of the trade?
"I import the long tubular balloons from the U.S, because
locally-made Balloons are thick and not as strong." And he
uses an imported pump for inflating balloons. "You can blow
them with your mouth, but that requires lung power,
practice and a special knack."
He is willing to share his knowledge, if students are
really keen to practise it on a professional level. But,
material has to be provided by the pupils as these are not
locally available. And, believe it or not, he wants his
students to emerge as his future competitors in the city.
This energetic Balloon sculptor, who is working at All
India Radio, is also a master (note - Master, not Jack) of
many trades - an actor, script writer, director and a well
known magician.
|
